Products

New license plate types

   

Old license plate types

Transit license plate types

Plates for countries near to Russia present even a greater variety.

  Russian license plates not always are pure. It is a dirty, salt, dust:

 

Other difficult images (shadow problems):

 

Some car after failures (distorted license plates):

 

 

Other distorted license plates:

Problems of the imperfect equipment and communications:

These problems present real challenges to plate recognition systems.

MegaPixel's Systems

The first MegaPixel's system MegaCar was developed in 1996. The basis of the system was an ISA-bus Image Processor MegaFrame-3 from Megapixel. The frame size was 336*192*8 bit grayscale. The working range of the vertical size for standard size characters was 12-16 pixels (on the average 14 pixels). As the vertical size of the standard size characters is 80 mm (all European plates are the same), the field of view is 1.9 m:

The second MegaPixel's system CarFlow was developed in 1998. It was the PCI-bus Image Processor MegaFrame-4.

   MegaFrame-4

The frame size for MegaFrame-4 is 768*288 gray or color pixels (rectangular, not square, pixels). MegaFrame-4 works much faster then MegaFrame-3.

The first: PCI-bus much faster then ISA-bus.

The second: MegaFrame-4 has the powerful hardware support of the Xilinx FPGA chip. This chip is suitable because the MegaPixel's neuro-like algorithms (Gaussian functions) use only 8 fixed bits while completely corresponding to the dynamic range of a real neuron - 1:10 Hence, there is no need for an expensive DSP solutions with floating point. Maximizing the resolution on the horizontal axis has allowed us to reduce the vertical size up to 10 pixels. It corresponds to a field of view approximately 3m:

Width of a Field of View, Character's Resolution

Today approximately 30 companies offer License Plate Recognition Systems including Automatic Number Plate Recognition and Electro-Optical Technologies, Inc.

Unfortunately, the majority of the companies do not specify characteristics of the systems. Therefore, for comparative analysis, which is not complete, the systems of Talon from Racal Messenger Ltd., IMPC from Optasia Systems Pte Ltd. and materials from an excellent article "Opening the Shutters on Traffic Surveillance" from PULNiX America, Inc. were chosen.

One of the requirements stated by Talon is "Size of a plate: Between 25% and 33% of horizontal field of view of camera". This corresponds to a field of view from 1.5m to 2.0m (length of all European plate is 0.5m) or a resolution from 15 to 20 pixels per character.

One of the requirements stated by IMPS is "The character's height as captured would be at least 18 pixels high". This corresponds to a field of view 1.7m. All calculations are made for European license plates.

The author of the Article writes, "For typical OCR reading, it is necessary to have at least 10 pixels/inch." This corresponds to a field of view 1.95m or a resolution 22.5 pixels per character (USA license plate, square pixel progressive scan camera is used).

PULNiX America, Inc. is the World Leader in progressive scan technology. This company was the first to understand the necessity of creating special cameras for ITS (Intelligent Transportation System) applications. Progressive scan technology is necessary primarily to increase a field of view.

PULNiX has developed two types of traffic cameras for ITS applications. One is the TM-9701TC, which is 768 x 480 pixels with a 4:3 aspect ratio and the TM-1001TC having 1K x 1K pixels with a 1:1 aspect ratio. PULNiX also creates the new 2K x 1K camera with 16 : 9 aspect ratio.

 This picture is taken from article, of mentioned above. Note. In the article USA license plates are used which are of a different size.

This picture is taken from same article.

The summary Table 1 contains results of calculations for various systems and cameras. Note: Russian license plates contain small character, which are 75% of standard. Therefore the table contains separate results for Russian license plates.

 

Table 1. Width of a field of view (in meters)

Systems	Standard Camera 768x288	Progressive Scan Camera 768x576	Progressive Scan Camera 1Kx1K	Progressive Scan Camera 2Kx1K
Talon (Europe)	2.00m * 15 pixels	4.00m ** 15 pixels	5.21m ** 15 pixels	10.42m ** 15 pixels
Talon (USA)	1.44m * 15 pixels	2.88m ** 15 pixels	3.75m ** 15 pixels	7.50m ** 15 pixels
IMPS (Europe)	1.69m * 18 pixels	3.38m ** 18 pixels	4.40m ** 18 pixels	8.80m ** 18 pixels
IMPS (USA)	1.26m * 18 pixels	2.52m ** 18 pixels	3.28m ** 18 pixels	6.56m ** 18 pixels
Article (Europe)	_	2.70m 22.5 pixels	3.51m 22.5 pixels	7.02m 22.5 pixels
Article (USA)	_	1.95m 22.5 pixels	2.53m 22.5 pixels	5.06m 22.5 pixels
CarFlow (Europe)	3.79m 8 pixels	5.78m 10.5 pixels	7.52m 10.5 pixels	15.04m 10.5 pixels
CarFlow (USA)	2.77m 8 pixels	4.17m 10.5 pixels	5.43m 10.5 pixels	10.83m 10.5 pixels
CarFlow (Russia)	3.03m 10 pixels	4.33m 14 pixels	5.64m 14 pixels	11.28m 14 pixels

* - There are no data whether the double resolution on a horizontal is used.

** - These result are calculated from the assumption that at work with the

standard camera (768x288) the double resolution on a horizontal is not

used (384x288 is used only). Otherwise a field of view will be less.

 MegaPixel continually searches for other ways to increase a field of view. Today MegaPixel is testing the CarFlow II. In this system two synchronous standard cameras and one Image Processor MegaFrame-4 are used. The fields of view of the two cameras are overlapped. The resulting field of view of the system reaches 5.5m (for Russian license plates). The variants of parallel work two and more MegaFrame-4 for acceleration of work of system and increase of a field of view (at connection more then two cameras) are investigated.

 Car Flow II

 Speed of Processing

One of the most important characteristics of a license-plate recognition system is the speed of processing. In MegaPixel's systems the original neuro-like algorithm of license plate detection is used. The algorithm works both for front and for rear license plates. The special external trigger is not necessary. This is very important for systems with a wide field of view, as there is often multiple vehicles in one image.

The MegaPixel's algorithm is multizoned - up to 16 zones of license plates can be detected simultaneously. The speed of processing does not depend on number of the detected zones.

The processing time for CarFlow is 40ms,

The processing time for CarFlow II is 60ms.

After detection of a zone, the image of a license plate (192x24x8bit) is preprocessed. Removal of false detection, cleaning, definition of type - black or white, expansion and binarisation functions are performed.

The processing time for removal of false detection is 0.5ms.

The complete preprocessing time for one zone is 3.0ms.

The final process is Optical Character Recognition (OCR). The processing time is approximately 20ms. All processing times are given for Pentium II/ 400 MHz processor. For comparison in system IMPS: "Response Time - time taken to read the plate number. This ranges from 0.4 to 2 seconds, configurable".

Contrast of a License Plate

Another important parameter of an LPR-system is minimal contrast of the image of a license plate. Talon defines "Contrast" as, "The difference between average character intensity and average plate intensity must be greater than 25% of difference between peak black and peak white luminance signals".

Using this definition of contrast, MegaPixel's systems can work with 5%-contrast images of license plates.

5%-contrast license plate

 Maximal Speed of a Vehicle

What is the maximal speed of a vehicle can be? This value depends from many conditions.

The figure illustrates typical installation of a camera for LPR-system.

X - look down angel;

L - field of view on a horizontal (car flow direction);

H - field of view on a vertical.

The LPR-system should, at minimum, capture one image of the license plate of passing vehicle. Therefore maximal speed S should be limited so that in detection cycle time T the vehicle passed distance no more then L:

Then:

C - height of characters (meters);

P - resolution (pixels per character);

V - vertical resolution of a camera (for CCIR - 288 pixels, halfframe).

( V - P ) means, that license plate should be inside a field of view completely.

The following is the resulting formula for calculation of maximum allowable vehicle speed:

Note: This formula is simplified and excludes some geometrical details. But under conditions:

• the distance from a camera up to a field of view is more, then 25m;
• the look down angel X is from 20 up to 45 degrees;

it works rather precisely.

Table 2 contains results of calculations of maximal vehicle speed S for MegaPixel's systems (Russian license plates - 10 pixels per character) at various values of detection cycle time T and look down angel X.

Table 2. MegaPixel's systems, maximal vehicle speed S (in Km/hour)

Table 3 contains results of calculations of maximal vehicle speed S for IMPS system (European license plates - 18 pixels per character) at various values of detection cycle time T and look down angel X.

Note: the best T for IMPS is 400ms. The values 100ms and 200ms are taken from assumption, that the time of detection is less then complete cycle.

Table 3. IMPS system, maximal vehicle speed S (in Km/hour)

Thus it is possible to assume, that basically IMPS can work with external triggers only (for example, inductive loop sensors).

Camera Installation

The author of the Pulnix  Article writes, "The typical look down angle is 40 degrees to avoid blocking the view by the following car". However, it is possible to object, following:

1. The large look down angle does not solve the problem completely.
2. The vertical size of a license plate decreases proportionally cosX (cos40 = 0.77). Therefore it is necessary to increase the optical resolution. That will result in reduction of a width of a field of view.
3. Not all license plates are fixed strictly vertically (at least in Russia). Some are inclined to horizontal plane. At the large look down angle such plates cannot be read.

Usually in MegaPixel's LPR-systems a lookdown angle from 20 up to 30 degrees are used (but large angles also work). Therefore the system has time to catch same license plate several times. The special algorithm uses it for increase of accuracy of recognition. The accuracy for Russian license plates is from 95% up to 98%.

The Talon system also uses a smaller look-down angle: "Dip: Angle of camera boresight to horizontal should not exceed 20degrees It somewhat limits the system. Besides there are two limitations: "Skew: Angle of camera boresight to vehicle path should not exceed 20 degrees". Rotation: Must not exceed ±2degrees (unless rotation compensation enabled)".

The same parameters for MegaPixel's system are: skew up to 45 degrees, rotation up to ±10 degrees.

There is an exact dependence of a rotation-angle R on a dip-angles X and a skew-angle Y. It is geometrical distortions. But it is not a real rotation; it is a skew in a vertical direction.

Original image  / Skew image (20 degree)

 Table 4 contains values a rotation-angle R as function from a dip-angles X and a skew-angle Y.

 Table 4. Rotation-angle R (degree)

 For a stationary system these angles can be compensated for when the camera is installed. But for mobile systems, the new detection and compensation algorithms are necessary. Recently, MegaPixel developed a special mobile system for police cars in which the camera could rotate around a vertical axis and read license plates as they come in its field of view.

 

System Integration

MegaPixel has been successful working with system integrators. In Russia the strategic partner of Megapixel is company-integrator JCS Rossi.

For the System Integrator, MegaPixel offers the standard set: the Image Processor MegaFrame-4 board (boards) plus the DLL-software kernel (Borland C++). MegaPixel understands that a system integrator can make system interface better and faster (including use of OCR). MegaPixel stands ready to modify its software and the hardware to meet the business requirements of its customers. MegaPixel also welcomes joint projects.

 

Summary Characteristics

• Width of a field of view:

• CarFlow 3.0m
• CarFlow II 5.5m

Character's resolution 10 pixel

Zone number up to 16

Speed of processing:

 

Detection time (CarFlow) 40ms

Detection time (CarFlow II) 60ms

Preprocessing time 3ms per zone

OCR-time 20ms

• Speed of a vehicle up to 200 Km/hour
• Camera installation:

Dip-angles X 15-45 degree

Skew-angle Y 0-45 degree

Rotation-angle R up to ±10 degree

• Accuracy rate 95-98%

Note: all data are given for Russian license plates.

MegaSense-8

MegaSense-8 is the MegaPixel's soft/hardware PC-compatible system intended to solve problems of security, supervision, registration and control of access. The system is implemented with the use of the latest neuro-like algorithms of digital image processing and high-speed hardware developed by MegaPixel.

MegaSense-8

Basic functions

1. High-selective detection of movement

• Adaptable to varying lighting conditions which allows it to operate in open space areas;
• High stability to natural (rain, snow, shadows) and artificial (fare light, glare) sources of disturbances;
• Adjustment to objects of specified sizes;
• High rate of control - up to 50 frames per second;
• Zoned masking;
• Three-dimentional supervision.

2. Wide capabilities of registrating videodata:

• storage of frames from any event on any channel;
• storage of frames with a mark of time and date;
• storage of frames with a mark of fault zones.

3. Enhanced means of visualization and processing of videodata:

• scan of recorded frames in playback, rewind, step-by-step, real-time modes;
• enlarging of images with clearness enhancement by using interpolation algorithms;
• scan of recorded frames on a discrete channel;
• storage of individual frames.

4. Wide capabilities of generating spoken messages and controlling external executive devices:

• generation of a spoken message for each event;
• record of spoken messages by the user;
• possibility of remote data access;
• switching on/off remote executive devices (sirens, locks,
• roadway gates, etc.)
• operation in the shade mode without generating of warning signals;
• capability of system enhancement (modem interface with the central control panel, etc.).

System specifications

The system provides the following specifications:

• number of supervision channels - 8;
• resolution on each channel - 384x288 gray or coulor;
• number of control zones for each channel - 16;
• number of generated system alarms - 6 (violation of access rights, disconnection of a camera on each channel, system power cut-off);
• number of user's generated alarms up to 64;
• number of connected external devices up to 64;
• monitoring at close and long distances;
• data processing rate per 8 channel - 3 full cycle per second;
• data processing time per 1 channel -20ms;
• setting of a random mask for each channel and each control zone;
• capability of generating a spoken, text message, image registration and switching on an external device for each event with the use of a priority system;
• JPEG-compression
• switching on external devices for the period of time up to 60 seconds.

The main feature of this system is the use of neuro-like algorithms. The system functions without regard for changes of average brightness or contrast. I it maintains positions of object contours that allows it to avoid false alarms. For example, the system copes with two-multiple jumps of brightness, which can occur at work with luminescent illumination, at the value of a camera shutter - 1/500.

While the MegaSense system was developed as security system, the principles incorporated in it can be used for creation ITS-systems: red-light running, speeding, rail crossing violations, toll violations, antiterror application, incident detection etc.

MegaPixel is committed to assisting it partners and customers adapt this new technology to meet their business needs.

• Dr. Michael Routskov, Director of MegaPixel Ltd.

MegaPixel Ltd.

Krylatskiye Holmy st., 35-4-790, Moscow, 121614, Russia.

Tel/fax: +7 (095) 412-94-22

e-mail routs@dialup.ptt.ru

Nestor Traffic Systems, Inc.
One Richmond Square
Providence, RI 02906
Phone: (401) 331-9640
Fax: (401) 331-7319
www.nestor.com

Poltech

CORPORATE PROFILE

POLTECH International Limited (POLTECH) listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (PLL) in July 1998. POLTECH has recognised that business opportunities in provision of dedicated products and services to local and international policing jurisdictions are best developed through the transparent requirements of a public company.

POLTECH's key business objective is to establish itself as a world class developer, manufacturer and supplier of products and services associated with policing, law enforcement and security industries. The company's core product range includes:

LaserCam (Mobile Speed Camera System)
Condor (Fixed - static - speed camera systems)
Centaur (Red light/Speed Camera System)
Minotaur (Adjudication /Infringement System)
CiberImage (Composite Identification by Electronic Reconstruction)
(click on any product to download a PDF version of the Product Fact Sheet)

The company has entered into commercial agreements with several Australian Police Forces, the National Institute of Forensic Science and has signed strategic agreements with major international suppliers to the policing community in forensic products and IT systems.

POLTECH has other significant opportunities to adapt and commercialise its patented digital imaging technology to the surveillance, monitoring and security industries. POLTECH has already identified a number of industries where the technological advantage of digital imaging technology provides a base for integration into an increasingly computer oriented society.

Condor - Fixed Site Digital Speed Camera

The Condor Speed Camera System is a fixed site system that combines the very latest in digital image capture with in road speed sensors. The combination of a multi lens digital camera and a three cable in road Piezo electric sensor configuration allows optimum application for a variety of sites and lane configurations.

The unique feature of the Condor is the dual or multi lens digital camera that is used to record the infringement. A wide angle lens captures an image of the vehicle and its placement on the roadway at the time of offence and the telephoto lens ensures effective identification of the targetted vehicle in the appropriate lane.

By using Piezo electric sensors and a multi lens camera configuration, up to eight lanes can be covered by one Condor installation. This instrument makes use of multi processor control technology and performs two independent speed measurements from three cables.

A further benefit of the Condor system is that it can be used for both speed and red light offence detection applications or a combination of both simultaneously.


Centaur - Digital Red Light Camera System

Centaur RLC system utilizes the latest in color digital image capture camera technology for enforcement of red light violations. Camera features include the automatic recording of progressive color digital images providing conclusive evidence of the infringement including the red light time and other details necessary for prosecution.

As an option, real-time monitoring of the intersection through the RLC system can be provided. This would be beneficial for security and public safety considerations, as in the case of identifying traffic accidents or congestion.

A further benefit of the Centaur Red Light Camera System is that by utilizing POLTECH's Condor configuration it can be used for both speed and red light offence detection applications or a combination of both simultaneously.
 

Perceptics Corporation

Product(s): License Plate Reader and Automatic Container Code Reader Description: The real-time reading capabilities of the Perceptics License Plate and Container Code Readers provide automatic vehicle and container code identification in multiple applications:

• security checks at international borders;
• violation enforcement systems for ETC;
• emission checks and control;
• traffic pattern studies;
• vehicle classification, measurement and weighing systems (Weigh-In-Motion);

            and

• commercial vehicle processing at delivery and inspection points.

Perceptics' LPR is comprised of a state-of-the-art imaging system and innovative decision-tree technology, and can be integrated into existing systems to expand their accuracy and capabilities or linked to databases for immediate access of current file information. An on-board operating system allows the LPR to operate in a stand-alone or background mode, while our Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) guarantees correct reads despite variations in font, syntax, size, perspective and tilt.

 

 

 

 

For More Information Call: 800-448-8544 (US only) or 865-966-9200 

FAX: 865-966-9330 

eMail: sales@perceptics.com

Internet Address: www.perceptics.com

Pulnix ITS "Your Partner In Vision Innovation" Electronic Toll Collection. Speed limit and red light violation enforcement. Traffic flow analysis and management. These and other Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) applications offer a unique set of challenges to the ITS camera and system provider. PULNiX specializes in miniaturized, rugged, high resolution video camera systems and peripherals for ITS applications. The pioneer in interline progressive scan technology for high speed image capture, PULNiX now offers an expanded line of cutting edge ITS video imaging systems and equipment. PULNiX provides cameras, components and subsystems for larger ITS related systems. These include high resolution video cameras, ambient light sensing devices, high speed fiber optic digital transmission systems, complete license plate reading subsystems, vehicle matching subsystems and intersection enforcement systems. PULNiX "partners" with system integrators to determine the best technology and most effective solution for ITS application requirements. Working directly with customers, we can recommend system solutions as well as provide R&D evaluations for new technical approaches. PULNiX - TECHNOLOGY, RELIABILITY and VALUE. We work closely with ITS system integrators and implement special R&D projects to develop the most cost-effective, reliable solutions to specific ITS projects. We design to meet the customer's system objectives, whether the objective be reductions in violation rates, increased public safety or revenue generation. Eye and Brain "Intelligence" Effective intelligent transportation systems must have the ability to remotely control camera functions to provide optimal imaging relative to the prevailing ambient conditions. Field-Proven Accuracy and Reliability PULNiX's ITS video technology has been perhaps the most field-tested throughout the world. Beyond merely proving a high level of accuracy, the result has been the development of a unique method of evaluation that can be used to establish a business model for using this technology to determine the actual operational costs of running the system. For ITS sales, please Contact PULNiX in Sunnyvale, California at the number below. Toll-Free (800) 445-5444 You may also send email to PULNiX. Please include "ATT: ITS" in your subject line. Redflex Redflex traffic safety enforcement products range from high-resolution digital cameras to automated processing systems built to manage millions of violation images every year. Digital SMARTCAMs Digital SMARTCAM provides the core imaging technology for Redflex' suite of digital traffic cameras. The product of a three-year Redflex research and development program, SMARTCAMs were created just for traffic enforcement. By eliminating the film processing delays and costs they allow quick turnaround between violation and ticketing. By encrypting images and data at the point of capture they ensure additional security for primary violation evidence. And by capturing full-color, high-resolution, high contrast images (embedded with 256 character Databoxes in the image headers) they maximize ticket issuance and minimize driver challenges. Key SMARTCAM Performance features: High-resolution digital imaging at 10 bits per channel, giving 1 billion colors 65dB dynamic range giving excellent image contrast Sustainable imaging rates at two frames per second or better Electronic shuttering eliminates mechanical wear and tear Remote operation of fixed site systems for instant performance checks, on-line communication of encrypted images and data, and remote automatic control of lenses  Digital SMARTCAMRED Digital SMARTCAMred Red Light Camera Systems include several SMARTCAMs (each with a specific imaging task); fast flash illumination at 1/2600 second with 250 millisecond ultra-fast recycle; and high-performance processors for image and data management and remote communication. Green-light cycle delay-signal is optional. All-weather, bullet-resistant enclosures are double-walled for temperature control and security.  Digital SMARTCAMSPEED Mobile Digital SMARTCAMspeed traffic cameras are mounted in enforcement vehicles. Special Deployment Computer screens allow operator's to 'see' the camera's field of view allowing immediate systems adjustments to maximize enforcement. Images and data are stored to 2G JAZ discs for transport or communication to the ticketing facility. Fixed-site SMARTCAMSPEED systems are permanently installed at speed-related accident 'black-spots' or in tunnels for speed enforcement. As with SMARTCAMred, on-line communication enables remote operations, performance checks and transfer of encrypted image and data evidence for quick ticketing turnaround.  Dual-Camera Systems (red-light or speed) Mobile Digital SMARTCAMSPEED system for enforcement of moving violations gives: Frontal scene and face shots Rear scene and rear-plate images  Digital SMARTCAMATOLL Digital SMARTCAMATOLL cameras are mounted at toll lanes to record plate images of vehicles without current e-tags or correct toll payments and communicate these for quick-response processing.  TRAFFIC CAMERA OFFICE PROCESSING SYSTEMS enable efficient processing and management of violation evidence. Redflex Citation and Notice Processing Systems are applied in the world's leading traffic processing centers. The three largest systems built by Redflex can manage a total of more than 4 million violation incidents each year.  Smart-IP Systems automatically process images from any current traffic camera (digital and/or film), find and 'read' the licence plate and match these against registered owner details retrieved from Motor Vehicle Registration databases. Printing violation images and data onto Notices discourages driver challenges and maximizes paid citations. Court systems can supply encrypted original violation files and other evidence on-line or in print format. Complete 'audit-chains' record each and every access on a violation history, creating total Chain of Evidence for prosecution.     Redflex is THE FIRST U.S. VENDOR TO OPERATE ALL-DIGITAL PHOTO ENFORCEMENT systems to ticket traffic violators. IT ALSO OPERATES THE LONGEST-ESTABLISHED U.S. TRAFFIC TICKETING FACILITY. Web Site: www.redflex.com Email: information@redflex.com   Sodi Sodi is an Italian manufacturer which produces the AutoStop K20. According to the manufacturer: AUTOSTOP K20 is a portable instrument for the photographic recording of traffic offences taking place at light-controlled crossroads. The reduced dimensions of AUTOSTOP K 20 allows it to be installed at prearranged stations in 30 seconds. This implies a drastic reduction of overhead expenses for fixed installations and high flexibility of use. In particular, as AUTOSTOP K 20 is easily movable from one crossroad to another, it makes traffic control unforeseeable by road users. AUTOSTOP K 20 is able to provide a multiple photographic evidence of the dynamics of accidents caused by vehicles crossing through the red-light." AUTOSTOP K20 is a portable instrument for the photographic recording of traffic offences taking place at light-controlled crossroads. The reduced dimensions of AUTOSTOP K 20 allows it to be installed at prearranged stations in 30 seconds. This implies a drastic reduction of overhead expenses for fixed installations and high flexibility of use. In particular, as AUTOSTOP K 20 is easily movable from one crossroad to another, it makes traffic control unforeseeable by road users. AUTOSTOP K 20 is able to provide a multiple photographic evidence of the dynamics of accidents caused by vehicles crossing through the red-light." For more information, please contact: Sodi Scientifica S.p.A. Via Poliziano, 20 50040 Settimello di Calenzano Florence ITALY info@sodi.com Voice .....+39 55 88.73.317 fax .........+39 55 88.73.140 TraffiPax  a Division of ROBOT FOTO UND ELECTRONIC GmbH ROBOT FOTO UND ELECTRONIC GmbH is a subsidiary of  RMH Rothe Mueller Holding, Deizisau, Germany RMH Rothe Mueller Holding, Deizisau, Germany manufactures the RobotT camera which is used by several companies. The Robot camera is well known for it durability and accuracy. During the cold war it was a preferred device used by the East German secret intelligence, STASI. ROBOT FOTO UND ELECTRONIC GmbH now sells a digital camera as well as the wet film based Robot. traffiphot III-G Red Light Monitor with Speed Indication [note: see traffiphot III-SR below] The TRAFFIPHOT III-G offers new possibilities in the surveillance of signal controlled intersections and level crossings, i.e.: Red light monitoring Red light plus speed monitoring Speed monitoring during green All cars disregarding the red light are automatically detected by the TRAFFIPHOT III-G and are photographically recorded.   With an optional speed limit setting the camera can be triggered by cars exceeding the preselected limit. This feature is also useful to avoid "creeping" vehicles being registered thus preventing the release of unwanted pictures. The facility ensures that only serious and dangerous red light runners are caught. Furthermore, permanent triggering of the unit in peak traffic conditions or during traffic congestion in the area of the intersection can be avoided. Only clear and indisputable photographs are recorded which results in a fast and most effective administration of the offences. The speed threshold is adjustable in 1 km (1 mph) steps from 20 to 255 km/h (15 to 150 mph) so that a best possible adaptation to the local traffic conditions is guaranteed. Each infringement is registered on two consecutive pictures displaying the relevant data, time, date, photo number, red start time, etc., the car speed and the speed limit can also be displayed on the upper margin of the photo. The speed information, however, can optionally be suppressed. The interval between the first and the second exposure can be adjusted between 0.5 and 5 seconds in order to meet the specific requirements of the intersection or traffic conditions. Should the driver's identification be required, the TRAFFIPHOT III-G can also be employed as a frontal photography unit showing a clear image of the driver's face. Principal of the speed measurement The speed measurement facility in the TRAFFIPHOT III-G is effected by two induction loops which are laid parallel, subsurface in the wearing course 1.5m between the leading edges. The distance-time equation then gives the car speed. The calculated speed is the basis for triggering the camera when the set threshold has been exceeded. Memory Card The TRAFFIPHOT III-G can optionally be supplied with an integrated memory card system which allows a simultaneous recording of all relevant data not only on the film but also on a memory card which facilitates the data processing. The input of the car number plate is the only manual action required for printing a warning or a summons to the car owner, provided the corresponding PC has direct access to a database where all cars are registered. traffiphot III-SR Photographic Red Light and Speed Enforcement Camera   The most advanced Technology for Effective Red Light and Speed Enforcement The TRAFFIPHOT III-SR unit permits the monitoring of both redlight and speed offences, using the latest technological developments from the pioneers of camera enforcement. The TRAFFIPHOT III-SR fully addresses the exacting demands of both Police and Municipal Authorities alike. The essential features of an effective and rational system have been created in the TRAFFIPHOT III-SR following a close cooperation with the end users: simple and easy to operate fully automatic, microprocessor-controlled operation continued operation independent of weather conditions, using an efficient heating and cooling system for temperature ranges from -20 degrees C to +60 degrees C (-4 degrees F to +140 degrees F) adapts to the most various measuring sites and local conditions universal use for rear and frontal photography facility to select a defined perfect photographic position so that all vehicles are captured on the same spot 800-1200 frames photo recording capacity by use of a 30m-100 ft film magazine (45m - 150 ft with polyester film) conclusive photographic evidence from the patented system of superimposed measuring data (fotoscript system) effective exposure control and the facility to adjust the flash intensity separately for the 1st and 2nd picture control of the program data on large, easy to read LCD-display possibility of setting 2 locking times per day and for 7 days a week integrated traffic counter for statistics a release lock can be activated for vehicles which only partly cross the stop line but do not actually commit a red light offence Optional: Storage of the superimposed data on Memory Card, simultaneous monitoring of several traffic lanes with different traffic light phases The unit consists of a fixed weatherproof outer housing and a slide-in inner housing with photo unit, control unit and panel, loop detector and flash system. The entire inner housing can be easily removed from the outer housing without unplugging cables. Only one inner housing is generally necessary for the concentrated monitoring of different intersections. Red light monitoring with speed measurement The TRAFFIPHOT III-SR records all vehicles crossing the stop line during the red phase of a traffic light. The TRAFFIPHOT III-SR is connected to the control unit of the traffic light and activated during the red light time. The triggering of the unit and the speed measurement are achieved by means of one, two or three pairs of induction loops, depending on the number of traffic lanes. The loops are embedded in the road surface near the stop line. The unit has a speed measuring range of 1 to 400 km/h (1-250 mph). The speed limit which will trigger the camera can be set in 1 km/h /1 mph steps. When a vehicle crosses the induction loops during the red phase the first picture is taken instantly, or after a preset delay time has elapsed. A second picture is taken automatically as proof that the vehicle has actually crossed the stop line. The interval between the pictures can be set within a range from 0.5 to 10 seconds. It is also possible, as an alternative, to configure the unit in such a way that the vehicles on the second photograph are always taken on a predetermined photographic position (fixed photo).   All details for the prosecution are contained in a a data line printed in the upper edge of the photograph: distance between the leading edges of the loops, time and date of the offence, a code number, the amber and red start time of the traffic light, a photo number with indication for the 1st and the 2nd picture (if applicable, also on additional pictures of a queue of vehicles or multi-axled vehicles), the measured speed, the speed limit on the site (when the speed measurement function is activated), and the indication of the traffic lane. Automatic speed measurement during the amber and green phase The speed measurement is achieved by means of two induction loops laid in the roadway. The correct speed is determined from the time between pulses of the crossing of a vehicle. The TRAFFIPHOT III-SR unit accuracy for speed measurement is generally within the following tolerances: +/- 3 km/h         up to 100 km/h +/- 3 %         above 100 km/h The speed which has been measured is compared with the preset speed limit of the measuring site. When the speed of the vehicle is higher than the speed limit the camera is released. The measured vehicle with clearly legible car number plate and all data is shown on the photographic picture. As an option the unit can be programmed to take a second picture of a speed violation. If an identification of the driver is desired, the TRAFFIPHOT III-SR can be installed so that it takes frontal photographs of the vehicle and driver.   Installation Diagram

U.S. Distributors Traffipax, Inc. 120 Liberty Square Danvers, MA 01923 Toll Free: 1-877-TrafPax Phone: 1-978-762-5495 Fax: 1-978-964-0541 Email: info@traffipaxinc.com President: Douglas Baumoel Speed Violation Products Auto-TraxTM Photo-LIDAR systems.                         What is Photo-LIDAR? Photo-LIDAR is the new generation replacement for the older Photo-Radar systems. LIDAR uses an IR Pulsed Laser Diode to measure speed, distance and direction. By using beam width of less than one-degree, an accuracy level is achieved that can not be reached by the older radar systems. As the beam crosses the traffic lanes, it can only target one vehicle at a time and minimize the possibility of false readings. The beam can also be "gated" so that only vehicles within a set of distances will be read. The other feature of LIDAR is that a vehicle traveling in only one direction can be captured by the system, if desired.   In the Auto-Trax Photo-LIDAR system, the unit is mounted in parallel with a high-definition digital video camera and a mobile computer system. Photo's are taken of both the front (face) and rear (plate) of the vehicle in violation. Non violating vehicles are also counted and timed for demographic purposes only. The unit is fully digital and uses no film or tape. The software comes in two parts. The first is the mobile software. It controls the cameras and strobe then stores the violation related information, such as images, speed, time, location, and images along with other pertinent information. The second program, on a separate computer, is used to produce the warnings, citations, and assorted reports. All printed materials are able to be printed in color as well as black and white. More detailed information can be obtained by using the e-mail form at the end of any page.                                Mobile (auto) screen "live video" view Base station screen detail. Key Benefits of Photo LIDAR Extremely easy to use software Produce citations, warnings, reports, graphs, financial and demographic information Highly accurate laser beam control Very reasonable purchase cost ( under 60K ) All revenue goes directly to the municipality (not a leasing/service company) Can pay for itself in less than 3 months High community acceptance (operated by and for the community) Link To Applied Concepts, Inc. The Radar and Lidar Company, Stalker Link To Kustom Signals, Inc. A Subsidiary of Public Safety Equipment, Inc., KUSTOM   Contact Information Ingram Technologies, LLC West Valley City, Utah 84120 gbingram@aros.net   Poltech POLTECH's digital image capture technology is called "the System". The System's digital imaging utilises a computer to record what a camera views directly as a computer file. In simple terms, the computer records a value for each pixel or dot, which makes up the image you see on the computer (in the same fashion that a computer works). The image can then be treated in the same fashion as any normal computer file, i.e. printed out as a hard copy; transmitted to another computer by landline, modem or satellite link; or stored either on a disc or tape. The 'trigger' for the System is designed to provide optimal efficiency for the particular application; and may include: laser gun, radar gun or underground loop system (traffic enforcement applications), motion detector (surveillance applications) and optical character recognition equipment (security applications).  Modular in design, the System can vary according to the requirements or specifications of a particular project and can be configured as either a portable, mobile or fixed site system. Various components of the System may be selected to suit customer requirements, for example, in traffic infringement applications, whilst a laser gun may be used, the System is also flexible enough to be adapted to operate with a customer's existing stock of speed detection devices such as radar or road sensors.  The System has distinct advantages over alternative technology. For instance in the speed camera market, the technology utilised in the System makes conventional 35mm film based speed camera systems virtually obsolete.  The System, being digital, allows facilities which could not be catered for with the current technology. With the System, it is possible to introduce "real-time" mass processing. This can be achieved via the digital image capture of infringements being transmitted to central locations for immediate processing via the telephone network or radio link. Product Description: Digital Image Capture System Portable Field Computer & Software Computer & Image Processing Software Additional Components Set-Up Time and Modes of Operation Testing and Verification of Accuracy